Big Canoe Living Vol I | Issue 12

LIVING LIVING WITH OUR FURRY FRIENDS BCAR, MAGGIE’S HOUSE & DOG PARKS PUBLIC SAFETY SESSIONS

Volume I | Issue 12

CONTENTS 2

Welcome

3

BCAR Animal Rescue in Big Canoe

9

Dog Parks Upcoming menus and events

11

Black Bears in Big Canoe Upcoming events & happenings

13

Racquet All things Racquet

15

Clubhouse Schedules & Menus

17

Aquatics Information & preparations

19

Marina Fishing Lessons & more

21

POA Events Safety Sessions | Census & Election | Information

27

Clubs & Orgs Information & meetings

Greetings from Public Safety!

Now that spring is here, our team would like to provide some important reminders about living with our furry friends and the educational opportunities coming up for safety instruction and preparedness.

Living with pets in Big Canoe requires owners to be mindful that all dogs, regardless of size and temperament, remain on a leash anytime they are not confined to a home or fenced yard or in your vehicle. This includes when they accompany you while hiking our trails or visiting any amenity. Please avoid being fined by keeping your dog safely leashed. What should you do if you see a dog off-leash? Contact Public Safety Dispatch at (706)268-3376 to report this violation.

Our largest furry friends are the bears of Big Canoe. We have asked the members of the Black Bear Project to share their best practices this week for protecting and living with these amazing animals. And remember, all bird feeders must be down now that the bears and cubs are out of their dens and exploring Big Canoe.

Public Safety is here 24/7 to assist property owners and we also offer educational programming for the community. Read on to find classes on fire extinguisher use, and emergency preparedness. We look forward to seeing you at one of our classes soon.

Our best to you,

Ricky Chief Jordan, Director of Public Safety Big Canoe Living | 2

BCAR

Clubhouse

Greetings from Racquet!

BIG CANOE ANIMAL RESCUE

Miss Maye

Our mission is to be a no-kill shelter for homeless strays found in the Big Canoe community, providing them with a safe, healthy, and positive environment until they are adopted into their forever-loving new home. We will evaluate each animal we take in, improve their health and physical appearance, socialization skills, and provide suitable forums for their adoption. We will also offer outreach support and educate the general public about humane animal care.

Big Canoe Living | 3

Whisky

Miss Maye

Field Training takes place Monday through Fridays 10:00-11:30. The dogs and volunteers go as a group on a long walk or are taken to the soccer field to play and chase balls.

An email is sent out the weekend before the week needing volunteer walkers. If you can help, you respond to the email with the day(s) that you are available. If you are not available that week, you do not need to respond to the email.

The commitment to be on a kennel care team can be as little as one day a month to once a week and teams work either mornings or evenings. The team is responsible for feeding and giving the dogs fresh water, medicine, cleaning the runs and troughs, cleaning the yards, and giving the dogs a short walk.

There is a required training session before you are assigned to a team.

BCAR is 100% staffed by local volunteers. Each and every dollar of donations goes directly toward the care of the dogs and cats. Currently, our kennel is full!

We always need your help with finding forever homes for our dogs and cats!

Porter

Whisky

BCAR

Clubhouse Shirley

Jacob

MAGGIE’S HOUSE The volunteers in Maggie’s House

Laverne

assist in preparing cats and kittens for a loving, permanent home. They feed, scoop and clean litter boxes, and most important of all, spend time playing with the cats and

Jubilee

kittens to help them learn they can trust humans.

Big Canoe Living | 5

Stripes

Keep our Kennels clean Our kennel always needs the following items: paper towels, dish soap, hand soap, and other cleaning supplies.

Donating to those in need Our wish list isn’t just for our kennel dogs. Big Canoe Animal Rescue helps feed family pets for folks living in our surrounding county who can’t afford pet food. Your donations of unopened quality dog food is always appreciated.

Porter

Ship direct to us Shop our amazon list linked below and ship to Big Canoe Animal Rescue at 7506 Wilderness Parkway Big Canoe, GA, 30143

Amazon Wishlist Your donations are very important to us. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we depend on donations to keep our kennel open. We are all volunteers who work 365 days to clean, feed, provide veterinarian care, and socialization for each and every homeless pet.

Click the button below to donate via PayPal or send your donation to: Big Canoe Animal Rescue 10676 Big Canoe Big Canoe, GA 30143

Jacob

An acknowledgment of receipt will be sent to the individual donating.

If this donation is in memory or honor of someone, a note will be sent to the person or the family of the person in whose name the donation is being made. Please include the name/s and address when submitting your donation.

Donate Now

Missy

Big Canoe Living | 6

BCAR

ADOPT WHISKY A NEW BEST FRIEND CANE CORSO/BELGIAN MALINOIS , MALE, NEUTERED, 3 YEARS OLD, 70 POUNDS WHISKEY WAS BORN AT BCAR IN MARCH OF 2021. FOR THE FIRST 6 MONTHS OF HIS LIFE, HE FACED, AND OVERCAME, A COUPLE OF MAJOR HEALTH CHALLENGES. BY THEN HIS LITTERMATES WERE ALL ADOPTED, AND HE BECAME PART OF THE “SHELTER PACK”. WHISKEY MISSED THOSE KEY FIRST MONTHS OF LIFE IN A HOME ENVIRONMENT, BUT WITH THE GOOD CARE OF OUR VOLUNTEERS, AND MANY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES, HE IS NOW A HAPPY, HEALTHY, WELL-TRAINED, ADULT DOG LOOKING FOR HIS FOREVER HOME. WHISKEY IS VERY SHY AND FEARFUL OF OTHER DOGS AND HAS NEVER LIVED IN A HOME. HE NEEDS HIS PEOPLE TO HELP HIM NAVIGATE A NEW WAY OF LIFE.

Big Canoe Living | 7

Register To See Whisky

BCAR

ADOPT JACOB

A NEW FRIEND Come to Big Canoe Animal Rescue Open House Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you wish to come at another time, you can make an appointment with the Director of Adoptions.

Our phone is monitored Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All calls are returned within 24 hours.

7506 WILDERNESS PARKWAY BIG CANOE, GA, 30143 | 706-268-1346

Register To See Jacob

JACOB IS A DARK GINGER TABBY MALE WITH GORGEOUS GREEN EYES BORN IN APPROXIMATELY AUGUST OF 2022. THIS HANDSOME GUY IS A BIT SHY AT FIRST, BUT VERY LOVING AND PLAYFUL WHEN HE WARMS UP TO YOU. HE PURRS WHEN TALKED TO…SO SWEET! HE WILL BE A GREAT COMPANION IN A LOVING FAMILY. JACOB HAS BEEN NEUTERED, MICROCHIPPED AND HIS VACCINES ARE UP-TO-DATE. Big Canoe Living | 8

ALL ABOUT OUR DOG PARKS Big Canoe has 3 locations designated for our furry friends. McDaniel Meadows, Diamond, and Wildcat Dog Parks are open Monday through Saturday, excluding when the park is used by BCAR. These parks are wonderful for dogs to run and play off leash.

Remember while you are out and about in Big Canoe, unless you are at one of our beautiful dog parks, your pet must be on a leash at all times. Having your pet on a leash protects them as well as every member of the community.

Big Canoe Living | 9

The Big Canoe Dog Park Committee was established in December 2019. Our goal is to coordinate with BC Management concerning maintenance for all three dog parks to ensure comfort and safety for both our dogs and their owners. We conduct fundraisers every couple of years to help enhance your experience. Some of the projects we have implemented over the years with your donations: Purchasing and installing fencing to separate large and small dogs at Diamond Dog Park. As well as ongoing maintenance of the fencing.

Providing umbrellas Doggy swimming pools Hosting the annual patriotic dog, including giveaways and prizes to winners in each category. Also hosting Halloween parade and contest.

Assisting with ongoing maintenance, such as the upcoming gravel installation at Diamond Dog Park.

Ensuring an endless supply of tennis balls (donated from tennis center) for the pup's enjoyment.

We worked with the POA to establish a Family Time area for elderly, disabled, reactive, recovering, etc. dogs, providing a safe space for the family to enjoy the off-leash park with their pups.

Aldo, we hope to provide additional seating at Wildcat Dog Park this year.

These are just a few examples of what the BC Dog Park Committee has accomplished. Again, our goal is to coordinate with the POA and BC management to assist with maintaining the dog parks. And to make each park more accessible, comfortable and to ensure the safety of our pets and their families.

BLACK BEARS IN BIG CANOE The black bear is a long-time resident of Big Canoe and one of our most prevalent forms of wildlife. As Big Canoe continues to develop and encroach on wildlife habitat, the need for people and bears to coexist safely increases. Whether you are hiking or strolling through the neighborhoods, you may encounter a black bear. Black bears are most active from midMarch to November.

It is illegal to feed the bears, intentionally or unintentionally.

The residents of Big Canoe have chosen to live in harmony with their bears. We want our community to allow for bear activity, so that bears can pass through, but are not tempted to stop and get into trouble with people and their non-natural attractants.

If you see a bear in a residential area, act responsibly! Remain calm; often the bear is just passing through, and if it finds no food, will simply move on. Click below to read more about the black bear in Big Canoe on the Big Canoe POA website.

More Info

Big Canoe Living | 11

HOME OF THE BLACK BEAR PROJECT

F

us w o oll

@TheBigCanoeBlackBearProject

If you see a black bear: Do not approach me or my cubs!

Back up slowly, look as big as you can by raising your arms, and make noise so that I can hear you. If you are in a group, stand together.

If I swat at the ground or huff and make short charges, I am telling you to back away and give me more space.

Keep all of your pets on a leash and away from me at all times.

Do not run or climb a tree; I may react and chase you. I am much faster than you are!

While staying or living in Big Canoe: Dispose of trash in a bear-safe receptacle or at the North Gate trash facility.

Clean your BBQ grills immediately after using them Eliminate bird feeders from March through November Keep pet food indoors (including water dishes) Keep food out of your car

RACQUET

SPRING CLINIC SPECIAL! Have a partner you like to play with regularly? Want to refine your doubles game? Win More?

You Can! Put together four players of similar skill and play/drill, advance your doubles strategies, court movement, speed-ups, resets, and drops! Adding these shots to your game WILL result in more “W’s”! $25 per person for 90 minutes of concentrated, intentional games and drills!

Coach John is ready to get you to the next level!

Contact the Racquet Pro Shop for more information at 706-268-3367 Big Canoe Living | 13

THIS WEEK at Racquet MONDAY

10:00

CHICKS W/STICKS LADIES

TUESDAY

9:00

3.0-3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN* 10:00

PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY

2:00

MEN’S 4.0+ TENNIS ROUND ROBIN*

4:00 4:00

ROUND ROBIN 2.5+ 10:00 2:00

8:00 MEN’S TENNIS ROUND ROBIN 3.0-3.5* 10:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY 6:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY INTERMEDIATE

FRIDAY 10:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY

ADVANCED PICKLEBALL DRILLS 3.5+ *

6:00

MONDAY NIGHT BOCCE

WEDNESDAY

GUYS WITH CLUBS MEN’S 3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN*

MEN’S TENNIS ROUND ROBIN 3.0-3.5*

*NEW! LADIES’ PICKLEBALL

PICKLEBALL FOR BEGINNERS CLINIC*

THURSDAY 10:00

WOMEN’S 3.0-3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN* 12:00 PICKLEBALL FOR BEGINNERS .

CLINIC* 2:00 NEXT LEVEL PICKLEBALL DRILLS 3.0-3.5*

SATURDAY 8:00

MEN’S TENNIS ROUND ROBIN 3.0-3.5* 10:00 WOMEN’S 3.0-3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN* 10:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY

SUNDAY 4:00

PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY

Reservations

Big Canoe Living | 14

March 31, 2 4 20 Easter Sunday Brunch March 31, 10:30 am -3:00 pm

d e Join us in the EasteroBunny’s Garden for k o B y l ul with the Easter Bunny pictures F kid’s crafts Easter egg cookie decorating Easter treats

Adult $55 Child $25 (kids 5-12) Kids under 5 eat free plus beverage, tax & gratuity

COMMUNITY

Egg Hunt Saturday, March 30, 2024 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Snack vendors, fun treats & Easter surprises Wildcat Soccer Field 10:45 AM ages 0-4 11:00 AM ages 5-8 12:00 AM ages 9-12 12:30 AM ages 13-18

Get the most eggs and win a prize!

Big Canoe Living | 16

Save Money and Double Your Fun this Summer with an Outdoor Aquatics Membership -Opening Day May 25thIf you enjoyed the benefits of membership last year your membership is set to auto-renew on April 30th.

Not a member? No problem, send a membership inquiry below!

Membership Inquiry

Membership benefits include unlimited access to both the Beach Club and Wildcat pools.

Accompanied grandchildren, 18 years and younger gain complimentary access.

Accompanied guests receive 50% off the guest's daily use rate.

Access to paddle boats, kayaks, paddle boards and canoes.

Access to Rockslide and children's inflatable water park. $150 - Individual Membership $298 - Full Membership (includes spouse and dependent children 25 years and younger) Double the Fun Daily Usage Rates (Beach Club and Wildcat Pools) $10 for Property Owners and $20 Guests Daily Usage Rates Wildcat Pool $4 Property Owner and $4 Guests Big Canoe Living | 17

AQUATICS

Big Canoe Living | 18

take your bogg to the pool, lake, and beach club this summer! now available at racquet, golf, & marina

t a e l b a l i a v A Now the Marina

MARINA

RAFTING ADVENTURE STARTING APRIL 1 A lesson will consist of learning how to operate a jonboat along with learning the best ways to catch rainbow trout. A fishing lesson can be arranged by emailing your name, your lot number, and cell phone number to me at jlipkowitz@bigcanoepoa.org. Keith will then contact you to arrange a time for the lesson. The cost will be the price of the jonboat for two hours plus a $40 lesson fee. For those who do not currently have a fishing membership, the $40 lesson fee can be applied towards a new annual fishing membership.

Big Canoe Living | 20

HOME SAFETY & FIRE EXTINGUISHER INFORMATION SESSION

March 25, 4:00 p.m.

Big Canoe Fire House

For questions, email Ricky Jordan at rjordan@bigcanoepoa.org

Big Canoe Living | 21

Emergency Preparedness Classes presented by Public Safety & the Wellness Collaborative Stop the Bleed

CPR

First Aid

APRIL 18, 2024

MAY 8, 2024

JUNE 7, 2024

$35.00

$45.00

$45.00

All classes begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Big Canoe Fire House.

Email groups.bigcanoewc@gmail.com

Big Canoe Living | 22

POA

Ce

202 nsus 4

CENSUS THE TRADITION OF CONDUCTING THE CENSUS STARTED BACK IN 2003.

WITH THIS ANONYMOUS CENSUS, YOUR ANSWERS ENABLE THE POA OPERATION AND THE BOARD TO UNDERSTAND THE KEY DEMOGRAPHICS OF OUR COMMUNITY.

The census is sent ONLY to the primary owner's email address currently in your profile.

If you have any questions please submit an AskthePOA.

Big Canoe Living | 23

POA

POA Board Elections ELECTIONS COMMITTEE The Elections Committee is tasked with coordinating and supervising the election cycle as well as actively recruiting and qualifying candidates.

The Committee is in search of two Property Owners to join the group. For more info: call Elizabeth Littleton at 614-542-7907 or email littleton.elizabeth@gmail.com

BOARD ELECTIONS

2024

Big Canoe Living | 24

POA

FOR YOUR SAFETY CHOCTAW WILL BE CLOSED TO PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Big Canoe Living | 25

POA

If you see signs of a water leak or have a sewage problem please report the issue to Utilities, Inc. at 706-268-3400

Big Canoe Living | 26

& y t e i c o S Black Baetaers Radio Present Inside the G

S REGI

TRAT

$5

L R I G COW & Y O B COW T H G NI

ION

MONDAY

APRIL 8

CLUBHOUSE VERANDA DOORS OPEN AT 06:0OPM

duds rn te es w & y tr un co st be ur yo in up s Dres

Featuring

LIVE BROADCAST REMOTE WITH INSIDE THE GATES RADIO DJS PLAYING YOUR FAVORITE COUNTRY ROCK, LINE DANCING, DRINKING SONGS, AND ROADHOUSE CLASSICS | LIVE SET BY HARMONY DOG | BOOT SCOOTIN' BOOGIE LINE DANCE CONTEST | COUNTDOWN THE 15 BEST COUNTRY DRINKING SONGS | WILD WEST PHOTO AREA | FREE BEER UNTIL KEG RUNS OUT | CASH AWARDS FOR BEST-DRESSED COWBOY & COWGIRL

clubs & orgs

CLUBS & ORGS

Bear Society

Monday Night Music on the Veranda Monday, March 25 Music by Sock Monkey Duo

$10

Reservations

WELCOME 2024

Big Canoe Living Big Canoe Living || 28 14

CLUBS & ORGS

Big Canoe ARTISTS CLUB

e n i F g n i r Sp w o h S Art Join us at the Beach Club!

Friday, April 5 Saturday, April 6 Sunday, April 7

Reception 5-8 PM 10 AM - 6 PM 12 PM - 4 PM

ION COMPLIMENTARY MUSIC & WINE DURING RECEPT SUNDAY LIVE PAINTING DEMONSTRATIONS SATURDAY &

sen at For more information, contact Barbara Jen m 352-232-0613 or barbarajensen50@aol.co

Big Canoe Living | 29

DIABETES n o i t i r t u N &

April 17, 2024 Clubhouse 2:00-3:30 p.m.

WHAT IS THE BEST DIET FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES? HOW MUCH EXERCISE DO I NEED? WILL THE KETO DIET WORK? HOW DO SPECIFIC FOODS AFFECT MY GLUCOSE LEVEL?

Peggy Williamson, RD, LD, CDCES

To register email: education.bigcanoewc@gmail.com

For More Info on WC Services go to: bcwell.org or Call 706-268-5334

Big Canoe Living | 30

CLUBS & ORGS

Ladies Line Dancing

Join us at the Beach Club April 22, 5-6pm Bring your beverage, dancing shoes and friends Karen Waters @ kwaterbear@aol.com for information.

NO CLASS ON APRIL 8TH, CLASS IS ON APRIL IS 22TH. APRIL 8th IS COWGIRLS AND COWBOYS AT THE VERANDA.

Big Canoe Living | 31

Wildflower Bunch

PLANT SALE The Big Canoe Wildflower Bunch (WFB) Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale on Saturday, April 27th. This year the venue for the sale has been moved to the Chapel's three-tiered parking lot (across the street from the Racket Club). Ten percent of all proceeds go toward club projects and initiatives, which benefit Big APRIL 27TH Canoe and the surrounding area.

9 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Some vendors may not take credit cards or Venmo so please bring cash or checks to pay for purchases.

Invite your friends and neighbors! Garden club members with experience in dealing with the challenges of gardening in Big Canoe will be on hand to help you with your selections. Spring is here, and no matter if you are looking for trees, shrubs, perennials, or annuals you are sure to find something beautiful to add a fresh look to your garden.

A limited number of carts will be available so you may want to bring your folding cart.

Stay in touch with us facebook.com/BigCanoeEventsandHappenings instagram.com/BigCanoeEventsandHappenings

www.bigcanoepoa.org ASKthePOA